Selinger Government Mulled a Fat Tax: CTF

Manitobans could have one day been taxed for their unhealthy food choices, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

The CTF obtained new documents from the NDP government that show Premier Greg Selinger’s cabinet has considered introducing a “junk food tax” and a “Healthy Living Levy.”

“It’s good that we haven’t seen the Selinger government introduce a cash grab on food,” said Colin Craig, CTF prairie director. “We hope they continue to avoid such a food cash grab as Manitobans are already taxed to the max. Research from other jurisdictions has shown fat taxes don’t work either.”

In November 2013, the CTF released a study on such a tax that found they don’t work. Denmark introduced and later repealed a so-called fat tax when it proved to be highly unpopular. The country also quashed plans of introducing a sugar tax in January.

The full list of documents the CTF obtained through a freedom of information request can be found here (PDF).